2025 Innu Nation Uinipeku Expedition
Uinipeku Expedition Overview
The annual Innu Nation Uinipeku Expedition is a collaborative ocean science initiative led by Innu Nation, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Students on Ice Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, and Parks Canada. The Expedition brings together the knowledge of Innu Elders, Guardians, Innu Nation Environment and Innu Parks staff, ocean science researchers and technologists, and educators to build a comprehensive understanding of the Innu Marine Zones while equipping young Innu with skills to pursue careers in land and marine stewardship.
Vision
The vision of the Uinipeku Expedition is to study Innu Nation's marine environments and gather climate data over time while building capacity for Innu Nation and Canada to work together to ensure Innu are equipped to make informed decisions about the future of Nitassinan, and to empower Innu youth to care for these lands and waters into the future, as their ancestors have done for thousands of years.
At a Glance
Route & Location
Departing Sheshatshiu, through Lake Melville, Labrador Sea, remote islands, inlets and bays, proceeding north to Natuashish, Davis Inlet, Iluikoyak and Ukasiksalik and surrounding islands before finishing in Natuashish.
Focus
Ocean science, climate change monitoring, ecosystems education, and skill building
Participants
Dates
Leg 1: June 27 - July 5
Leg 2: July 5 - July 15
24 Labrador Innu Youth, Innu Nation Staff, Guardians, Ocean Scientists and Technologists, Archaeologists, and Educators
The Journey
Each day will be filled with important traditional Innu and modern science knowledge sharing, ocean science research, data collection and analysis, and a rich and tailored education program for youth interns.
Leg 1
The first leg of the expedition will depart from Sheshatshiu through Lake Melville. We will travel to Innu Marine Zones and travel along the coast of the Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountain National Park Reserve, remote islands, bays, and beaches.
Leg 2
The second leg of our journey once again takes us through Innu Nation's Marine Zones. Departing from Sheshatshiu and travelling up the coast toward Natuashish, this leg will visit the relocated community of Davis Inlet - known to Innu as Utshimassits (Place of the Boss) - and other sites on Iluikoyak and Ukasiksalik islands. A visit will also be made to Voisey’s Bay before returning to Natuashish.
Ocean Science & Research
Each Uinipeku Expedition is an interdisciplinary marine science program which conducts marine monitoring and studies in Innu waters. These expeditions have gathered more ocean science data than has ever been gathered in these areas.
The Uinipeku Expedition interdisciplinary research program consists of dive surveys, water sampling (nutrients and eDNA), CTD casts, deep sea dive surveys, ROV surveys, beach and coastal environment surveys, multi-beam mapping, drifter deployments, and seabird and marine mammal observations. Innu youth take part in as many aspects of this research as possible.
The Uinipeku Education Program
The expedition is not only a scientific endeavour but also an opportunity for Innu youth to engage in ocean and land stewardship work, deepen their connection to Nitassinan, and understand the vital role they play in shaping the future of their territory. The involvement of Innu leaders, Elders, Guardians, staff and community in the planning, guidance and implementation on this expedition helps strengthen the capacity of Canada’s research and education community to work more effectively and respectfully with Innu Nation. This year, Innu Nation has created four education streams to ensure Innu youth build real-world experience in valuable scientific research taking place in their territory. The education streams are reflective of the skills required to ensure Innu Nation maintains strong environmental stewardship efforts into the future.
Ocean Science
Youth Ocean Science Interns on the expedition will learn from scientists onboard collecting samples and studying them in the lab (collecting and processing samples of sea life, such as sea stars, jellies, sea cucumbers, kelp, seaweed, and more).
Objectives: Foster understanding of marine ecosystems, sampling, and the full research process. Innu youth in this stream will contribute to research, understand data’s purpose, and learn how it informs policy and community priorities.
Underwater Technology
Youth Underwater Technology Interns will learn about the technology we use to study the ocean (cameras, underwater drones, water property sensors, remote operated vehicles (ROVs).
Objectives: Explore ocean technology from a full 360-degree view - including preparation, deployment, maintenance, and data applications. Innu youth in this stream will build hands-on technical skills and career awareness in this field.
Coastal and Land-Based Skills
Youth interns participating in the Coastal and Land-Based Skills education stream will earn valuable skills from Innu Guardians, researchers, and partners (country skills, mapping, archaeology, drone piloting, small vessel operation).
Objectives: Develop a deep connection to coastal and land-based knowledge through hands-on skills training, cultural learning, and safety certifications. Innu youth in this stream will build confidence to work in remote environments and understand career pathways linked to the land and sea.
Storytelling and Media
Youth Storytelling and Media interns will help the media team onboard the expedition to keep friends and family at home updated on what we’re doing. Innu youth in this stream will learn valuable media and storytelling skills (taking photos, making videos, social media updates, and more).
Objectives: Build confidence and skills in storytelling, using video, photography, and writing. Innu youth in this stream will help to document the expedition and share their experiences with their communities.
Follow Along
Follow us on Facebook for daily updates (June 27 - July 15th) and beautiful photos
Recap Videos from Previous Expeditions
Innu Nation Uinipeku Expedition 2024: Full Recap
The Innu Nation Uinipekᵘ Ocean Expedition: Recap
About
The Innu Nation is the representative body of the Innu of Labrador - approximately 3,200 Innu, the majority of whom live in the communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish. Guided by a mandate to speak with one voice, Innu Nation protects the rights and interests of its members. As Innu Nation moves toward a final land claim and the establishment of self-government, a key priority is to support Innu youth with opportunities to obtain the education, skills, and knowledge needed to lead and protect our communities in the future.
SOI is at the forefront of expeditionary education, offering transformative experiences to diverse youth worldwide. Our expeditions to the Polar Regions and places in between unite youth and educators, foster lasting connections, and encourage global citizenship. Our mission is to provide transformative experiences that educate, inspire, connect and empower youth. For more information, visit soifoundation.org.
The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors and leadership.
